Freshwater celebrated 50 years of the Weatherguide Calendar and Almanac on October 30th, 2025. The celebration was held at CLA Connect in Eagan and attended by Weatherguide lovers, contributors, and partners alike.
The event kicked off with opening remarks by Freshwater Executive Director Michelle Stockness and seamlessly moved to the program hosted by KARE 11 Chief Meteorologist Belinda Jensen. Belinda hosted a fun and interactive program featuring a video to pay homage to Jim Gilbert, who has been the Weatherguide's phenology consultant since the inception, and a panel discussion featuring MPR Chief Meterologist Paul Huttner, Minnesota DNR Assistant State Climatologist Pete Boulay, and Jeffers Foundation Director of Education David Grack. The event continued with lunch, providing opportunities for networking and an immersive walkthrough of the 50 Years of the Weatherguide display in a separate space at CLA Connect. Overall, it was a wonderful gathering that celebrated the people who have shaped the Weatherguide and those who keep its mission alive through education and exploration.
First published in 1977, the calendar began as a tool for sharing science and weather information. Over the years, it has evolved into a vibrant celebration of Minnesota’s outdoors, featuring stunning photography, phenology, astronomy, weather, and Ojibwe cultural information. Today, the Weatherguide serves as an outstanding educational resource for exploring Minnesota’s natural world and is enjoyed by both nature enthusiasts and classrooms alike.
We deeply value the partnerships that make this calendar possible, bringing together scientists, educators, news media, artists, and community. Thank you to everyone who supports and contributes to the Weatherguide, especially KARE 11, MPR, and the Jeffers Foundation!
We would like to thank Belinda Jensen for hosting our program and CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) for generously hosting us at their CLA Connect space in Eagan! And finally, a big thank you to our generous event sponsors and guests that have made it such a successful event!
Are you interested in how the Weatherguide is used for K-5 classroom curriculum? See the Jeffers Foundation website for more information on their Calendar in the Classroom program, workshops, and journal prompts here: https://jeffersfoundation.org/programs/calendar-in-the-classroom-2024/
Do you have ideas of what the next 50 years of the Weatherguide might look like? Submit your ideas here: The next 50 years! Minnesota Weatherguide Environment Calendar and Almanac – Fill out form
For more information on the Weatherguide or to purchase the 2026 edition, see our website: https://freshwater.org/weatherguide/